Robert D "Bob" Bollacker

Robert “Bob” Dale Bollacker, 89, of Sagle, ID decided to continue his soul’s journey on June 25, 2013. Son to Newton Alles and Pearl Mae Ray Bollacker, he was born on January 9, 1924 in Ordway, CO. He graduated from high school in Denver, CO then served as an Army-Air Force pilot in New Guinea. After discharge, he returned to Denver where he met his life’s partner, Edith Pearl Williams, who he married March 12, 1947. After a stint at dust bowl farming in Ordway, he returned to his beloved flying by reentering the Air Force in 1953, thus making the military his 20+ year career. He retired in 1969 as a Lt. Col. having served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He earned numerous citations including the Air Medal with 3 oak clusters, and the Bronze Star with 3 clusters for his piloting of troop transports during counterinsurgency missions in Vietnam in 1966-67. He and Edith retired to Sandpoint/Sagle in 1969 where he taught himself construction so he could design and build their residences to include energy saving components like solar gain. Bob was a meticulous about details and building the best way. He resumed farming, this time as a tree farmer. Once again, he studied to gain as complete a background as possible, put it into practice and earned Tree Farmer of the Year. Grandkids remember walks in the woods that became fascinating lessons in tree identification, their characteristics and good logging practices. Bob will be remembered for being a true officer and gentleman in his service to his country and his personal life. He believed in and lived a life of integrity, honesty, morality, and honor. He was a man of his word and gracious to all. He was never heard using profanity; he didn’t need to. He was always curious, read voraciously and was always ready to discuss what he had learned. His diverse interests included photography, working on cars, and the outdoors – hunting, snow caving, snowmobiling, fishing. He shared his knowledge with his children and grand-children: they recall learning the history of cars, the stars and planets (complete with telescopes and star charts), using a manual clutch correctly, operas and classical music, photography, the physics of flying…oh, and the history and difference between Republicans and Democrats. He was preceded in death by brothers William and Stanley and sister Marian. Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, daughter Linell of Spring Creek, NV and son Thomas of Sagle; grandchildren Patricia Overman, Lorell Duteil (Jason), Terrell Dobis (Jason), Robert (Brandi), Jackie Santos, Thomas, and Denise Davidson, plus 12 great grand-children and 4 great, great grand-children, as well as many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life gathering for family and friends will be held at his home, 11450 Lakeshore Drive, on July 26, 2013 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.